Eid Mubarak

People across the country offered prayers on the auspicious occasion of Eid al-Adha.

Eid al-Adha or Bakrid, also known as ‘Sacrifice Feast’ is marked by sacrificing a sheep or a goat to prove their devotion and love for Allah. One of the devotees said, “We are maintaining social distancing and this year we are wishing each other just my speaking, ‘Eid Mubarak’”Eid al-Adha or Bakrid, also known as ‘Sacrifice Feast’ is marked by sacrificing a sheep or a goat to prove their devotion and love for Allah. 

People are maintaining social distancing and this year most of the people are wishing each other just my speaking, ‘Eid Mubarak’”.

Dr.Gurdeep Kaur
Associate Professor
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College
University of Delhi

Sikh Organisations Ask Takhat Jathedars Not To Attend TTEND Inauguration Ceremony of Ram Mandir.

Amid emerging reports about the “Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerath Kshetra Trust” planning to invite Takht Jathedars for the inauguration ceremony of Ram Mandir, several Sikh organizations have appealed the SGPC appointed Takht Jathedars as well as common masses to not attend the inauguration ceremony of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

Khalsa League’s head Bhai Amrik Singh Ballowal said that the Sikh ethos teach us to stand against the injustices irrespective of victims’ religion, caste, creed or ethnicity. “Doubtlessly, the Hindu majority of India is forcefully converting the Babri Masjid into Ram Mandir so every Sikh should refrain from attending the inauguration of this temple,” he added.

Recalling the recent gift given by the Islamic State of Pakistan to Sikhs in the form of Kartarpur corridor, Ballowal said that the Sikhs should refrain from unnecessarily becoming a bulwark of Hindus. “The Hindus of India destroyed our supreme Sikh throne Sri Akal Takht Sahib in June-1984 and then subjected us to genocide,” he said.

Raising questions on the Hindu community’s claim about the sanctity of proposed Ram Mandir’s land, Ballowal said that if the land of Ram Mandir was the holy one, then why the Hindus are collecting holy soil and water of holy Sikh shrines. “It’s just a trick to use Sikhs against Muslims,” he added.

“The Sikh philosophy teaches us to stand by the oppressed and meek people so we should live our lives as per the path enlightened by Guru Sahib instead of becoming a bulwark for the oppressors,” he said.    

Ballowal further said that it was very unfortunate that the Hindus are talking about taking holy soil of Sri Harmandir Sahib to Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir. “Guru Sahib asked Sai Miaan Mir Ji to lay the foundation stone of Sri Harmandir Sahib to set an example of communal harmony for Sikhs but now we are on the verge of getting used against community of Sai Miaan Mir Ji,” he remarked.

Likewise, other Sikh intellectuals including Advocate Amar Singh Chahal, Professor Baljinder Singh, Bapu Gurcharan Singh of Jathedar Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara Working Committee, along with the Sikh Coordination Committee based of New York, USA, have appealed the common Sikh masses to stay away from these functions. “We have no issues over Hindus performing inauguration work as per the standards of their faith, however, there is no need for the Sikhs to take part in such celebrations,” a statement by the Sikh Coordination Committee.

“However, we have issues when soil from Sikh Takhts is used to lay the foundation stone of the Ram Mandir. This can be used directly or indirectly to link Sikhs with the Hindus, which is not acceptable,” the statement reads.

https://www.sikh24.com/2020/08/01/sikh-organizations-ask-takhat-jathedars-not-to-attend-inauguration-ceremony-of-ram-mandir/#.XyUZnogzbIU

Dr.Gurdeep Kaur
Associate Professor
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College
University of Delhi

SGPC Appointed Takhat Jathedars To Be Invited To Ayodhya For Ram Mandir Inauguration Ceremony

Baba Pritam Singh handing over soil from Five Takhts to be used for the Bhoomi Pujan for Ram Mandir in Ayodhya

The SGPC appointed Jathedars of Punjab based three Takhts, and Jathedars of Takht Sri Patna Sahib and Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, are going to face an extremely tough situation in coming days as the “Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerath Kshetra Trust” is set to invite them on the “Bhoomi Pujan” ceremony of upcoming “Ram Mandir” in Ayodhya.

The construction of proposed “Ram Mandir”, which is going to be established after demolishing Babari Masjid, is going to kick off on August 5. Bhoomi Pujan is a ceremony that will be performed to kick off the inauguration work of building the Ram Mandir.

Already, a few sections of the Sikh community have been in talks with Ram Mandir Bhoomi Pujan, where a Delegation headed by Baba Pritam Singh met with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) in regards to laying the foundation stone at Ayodhya. Baba Pritam Singh and his jatha met with VHP leaders on July 28 and handed over the soil from the Five Takhts, for the inauguration ceremony.

In November-2019, the Supreme Court of India had allotted the entire land of Babri Masjid to the Hindu community in a very questionable manner, deciding upon the case in a rather rushed manner. In contrast, the Muslim community was not allotted even a single square yard out of the total 2.77 acres disputed land.

Interestingly, the Supreme Court of India had addressed this in favor of Hindus by citing “Guru Nanak Sahib’s visit to Ayodhya” in 1510-11 while the Babri Masjid came into existence in 1528-29.

SGPC passed a resolution condemning Supreme Court’s verdict on Babri Masjid

During the general house meeting on November 27 last year, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhik Committee had passed a resolution condemning the Supreme Court’s verdict in the favor of Hindu community over the disputed land of Babri Masjid. The apex Sikh body had strongly objected over the references used by the Supreme Court of India about Guru Nanak Sahib’s visit to Ayodhya for delivering the verdict in favor of Hindus.

Testing Time for SGPC appointed acting Akal Takht Jathedar.

https://www.sikh24.com/2020/07/31/sgpc-appointed-takhat-jathedars-to-be-invited-to-ayodhya-for-ram-mandir-inauguration-ceremonies/#.XyUVV4gzbIU

Dr.Gurdeep Kaur
Associate Professor
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College
University of Delhi

Capt.Amarinder Launches Milkfed’s Immunity-Boosting ‘Verka Haldi Dudh’ Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh  launched a nutritional drink ‘Verka Haldi Dudh’, produced by Milkfed to boost people’s immunity amid the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Describing it as an appropriate time to launch this versatile product, packed with the rich medicinal properties of turmeric (haldi) as an immunity booster and a natural healer, the Chief Minister hoped the Verka Haldi Dudh would soon emerge as a popular drink among consumers, who were now looking for alternative ways to stay healthy and boost their immunity in the fight against coronavirus.

On the occasion, Cooperation Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa said that Verka Haldi Dudh had been prepared by using a unique Haldi formulation, that had been developed and patented by Department of Biotechnology, Punjabi University, Patiala.

Milk offers 10 times higher absorption for the human body than normal Haldi.Verka has utilized its proven expertise, knowledge and experience spanning over 50 years to provide this delicious, healthy and immunity boosting drink,

Verka Haldi Dudh has been launched, as part of Mission Fateh, at an affordable price within the reach of all sections of society and will be beneficial for health of young and old alike. The product will be available at all major retail outlets and Verka booths.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/capt-amarinder-launches-milkfeds-immunity-boosting-verka-haldi-dudh-119996

Dr.Gurdeep Kaur
Associate Professor
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College
University of Delhi

DSGMC's Dil Se Sewa : Langar On Wheels

Langar on Wheels :Langar from Gurudwara Shri Bangla Sahib is transported to destitute people in the areas of Gāzīpura, Kalyānapurī, Indrapuri.

Pics Courtsey,
Mr.Manjinder Singh Sirsa
President,DSGMC

DSGMC: Meeting with Shiromani Akali Dal Held in Sant Nagar Ext. Ward No 25

Shiromani Akali Dal at a meeting held in Sant Nagar Ext. Ward No 25 . DSGMC member S. Daljeet Singh Sarna and  Community from Geeta Colony area were also present to garce the ocasion.

DSGMC extend a warm welcome to all the New members in Shiromani Akali Dal family. 

Pics Courtsey,

Mr.Manjindder Singh Sirsa

President,DSGMC

 

Pakistan Court Allows Parents of Sikh Girl to Meet Her

 Nankana Sahib Sikh girl Jagjit Kaur alias Ayesha Bibi

Lahore, Jul 29 (PTI) A Pakistani court has allowed the parents of a Sikh girl to meet her at a shelter house in Lahore but rejected the same request of a Muslim man who allegedly married the teenager after abducting her.

The Lahore High Court on Tuesday held the hearing of separate petitions filed by parents of Jagjit Kaur of Nankana Sahib and her alleged husband Muhammad Hassan, seeking permission to meet her in Darul Amaan (shelter house).

Kaur’s family has accused Hassan of marrying her after abducting and converting her to Islam in September last. She has been living in the shelter house in Lahore on the court''s order since then.

"After arguments by the counsel for Jagjit Kaur’s parents, the court admitted their petition and allowed them to meet her in Darul Amaan. However, the court dismissed the petition of Hassan,” a court official told PTI on Wednesday.

This issue snowballed into a controversy after the family of Kaur, in a video message that had gone viral, claimed that she was abducted and forcibly converted to Islam by Hassan in September, 2019.

Subsequently, in January Hassan''s elder brother Imran Chishti allegedly incited a mob in the name of religion and threatened to destroy the minorities worship place (Gurdwara Janamasthan).

Gurdwara Nankana Sahib, also known as the Gurdwara Janam Asthan, is the site where the first Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Nanak Dev, was born. It is regarded as one of the holiest Sikh sites.

Police arrested Chishti, a government employee, and booked him under anti-terrorism act.

Chishti had claimed that Hassan had been beaten up by police for “lawfully” marrying the daughter of the gurdwara''s granthi. He alleged that Hassan has been pressured by police and authorities to divorce her so that she returns to her parents’ house.

https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/pak-court-allows-parents-of-sikh-girl-to-meet-her/1905382

Dr.Gurdeep Kaur
Associate Professor
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College
University of Delhi

Inni Kaur : Sikh Advocate & Author Releases Exciting New Children’s Book “The Story of Us”

                                           Inni Kaur

“The Story of Us” teaches children about the human migration story in a way that’s sure to make them smile, while educating about this important piece of history.

Inni Kaur is Creative Director at the Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI). She has served SikhRI in several capacities since 2010, including Chair of the Board, and most recently as CEO. As an accomplished representative of the Sikh community, she is a dedicated advocate for raising awareness of key interfaith and women’s issues. Her list of achievements includes addressing the U.S. Office of the Pentagon Chaplin several times, speaking at Yale, Fairfield, Columbia, and other Universities, as well as presenting to the Connecticut Board of Education and local police departments to further the dialogue regarding the Sikh identity.

Inni Kaur is a passionate author, prolific spiritual writer, poet, story teller, educator, painter, and advocate both inside and outside the Sikh community. Kaur recently celebrated releasing her seventh, the timely, informative, and inspirational “The Story of Us”, illustrated by the incredibly talented Schandra Singh. “The Story of Us” educates children about the human migration story from Africa to the rest of the world in a fun, engaging, and smart way. The excitement surrounding her new book is high.

“The message of this book is so relevant to what is happening currently,” commented the clearly passionate Kaur. “If all of grew up with the knowledge that we come from one place, maybe we would be kinder and gentler with each other.”

“The Story of Us” builds off of the success she has seen in publishing a children’s book series, Journey with the Gurus, that is inspired by the life and teachings of Guru Nanak Sahib. Her other children’s books are Sakhi-Time with Nani ji, Thank-You, Vahiguru, and Daddy’s Turban. Her prolific work as a spiritual writer is often featured on Sikhchic.com and SikhRI.org

https://www.sikhnet.com/news/inni-kaur-releases-exciting-new-children

Dr.Gurdeep KaurAssociate ProfessorSri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa CollegeUniversityb of Delhi

SALDEF Launches FIRST EVER National Sikh American Survey

National Sikh American Survey

Washington D.C. - SALDEF is excited to announce the launch of the first ever National Sikh American Survey. The survey will capture details on demographics, political affiliation, opinions on social issues, personal experiences and behaviors of the Sikh American community. Upon completion of the survey, SALDEF will create a report that will be made available to the Sikh community, researchers, educational institutions, government, private and the non-profit sector. The survey will also be used to guide SALDEF in tailoring decision making on advocacy, programing and outreach for the community.

Survey information:https://saldef.org/national-sikh-survey/

Dr.Gurdeep KaurAssociate ProfessorSri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa CollegeUniversity of Delhi

DSGMC's Humanitarian Service Tendered To The Destitute During The Coronavirus Pandemic : Langar On Wheels

Sukhbir Singh Badal  “DSGMC and Shiromani Akali Dal must be lauded for humanitarian service tendered to the destitute during the coronavirus Pandemic. Their efforts of Langar to millions of people have been appreciated all over world. They have created an example of selfless service in consonance with Sikhism Philosophy”.

Langar Sewa done in KalyanPuri and Karol Bagh

Pics. Courtsey,

Mr.Manjinder Singh Sirsa

President,DSGMC

Ministry Of External Affairs Will Facilitate Request For 'Permanent Settlement' By Sikhs, Hindus Who Arrived From Afghanistan As Per Rules

Eleven members of minority communities of Afghanistan, including a Sikh community leader who was kidnapped and later released, arrived in Delhi on Sunday 26th July after India granted them visas and facilitated their travel.

The Ministry of External Aairs (MEA) on Thursday said the request of members of Sikh and Hindu communities, who arrived here from Afghanistan earlier this week, for permanent settlement in India would be examined and facilitated as per existing rules and policies.

MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava also said that apart from those who returned, the ministry was in touch with others who would like to return from Afghanistan and would facilitate their return.

 

"Our mission in Kabul, despite the COVID situation, facilitated the visas for the return of the first group which arrived here," Their cause for permanent settlement will be examined and facilitated as per existing rules and policies.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/will-facilitate-request-for-permanent-settlement-by-sikhs-hindus-who-arrived-from-afghanistan-as-per-rules-mea/articleshow/77267318.cms

Dr.Gurdeep KaurASssociate ProfessorSri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa CollegeUniversity of Delhi